IRS.gov: Organize Your Records

Keeping well-organized records also ensures you can answer questions if your return is selected for examination or prepare a response if you are billed for additional tax. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.

Individual taxpayers should usually keep the following records supporting items on their tax returns for at least three years:

*Bills*Credit card and other receipts*Invoices*Mileage logs*Canceled, imaged or substitute checks or any other proof of payment*Any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return

You should normally keep records relating to property until at least three years after you sell or otherwise dispose of the property. Examples include:

*A home purchase or improvement*Stocks and other investments*Individual Retirement Arrangement transactions*Rental property records

If you are a small business owner, you must keep all your employment tax records for at least four years after the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later.

For more information about record keeping, check out IRS Publications 552, Record keeping for Individuals, 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, and Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses. These publications are available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

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